Sigma-Aldrich Trizma® base Primary Standard and Buffer, ≥99.9% (titration), crystalline

Trizma® Base, also known as Tris base or Trometamol, is a high-purity (≥99.9%) crystalline compound primarily used as a biological buffer in biochemical and molecular biology applications. Its optimal buffering range and stability make it indispensable in laboratory research.

Chemical and Physical Properties

• Chemical Name: Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane
• Synonyms:
  • Tris base
  • Trometamol
  • THAM
  • Trizma® base
  • Tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamine
• Molecular Formula: NH₂C(CH₂OH)₃
• Linear Formula: NH₂C(CH₂OH)₃
• Molecular Weight: 121.14 g/mol
• CAS Number: 77-86-1
• EC Number: 201-064-4
• MDL Number: MFCD00004679
• Beilstein Registry Number: 741883

Specifications

Applications

1. Buffer Preparation:
   • Used in buffers like Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) and Tris-borate-EDTA (TBE).
   • Stabilizes pH for DNA/RNA isolation, protein electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and cell lysis.
2. Cell Biology and Biochemical Research:
   • Serves as a buffer for protein extraction, Western blotting, and enzymatic reactions.
   • Ensures stable pH for biochemical assays.
3. Diagnostic Assay Manufacturing:
   • Acts as a component in ELISA and immunoenzymatic techniques.
4. Specialized Applications:
   • Extraction of carotenoids from biological samples.
   • Buffering in simulated body fluids (SBF) for calcium phosphate resorption assays.
   • Deposition of polydopamine coatings on stainless steel substrates.
5. Substrate for Aminopeptidase Activity:
   • Effective in enzymatic assays due to its biochemical stability.

Features and Benefits

• High Purity: Suitable for sensitive applications like protein studies and nucleic acid analysis.
• Efficient Buffering: Operates optimally within a pH range of 7–9, ideal for physiological and biological systems.
• Stability: Chemically stable under standard conditions; non-hygroscopic nature ensures long shelf life.
• Versatility: Tested for suitability in ELISA, Western blotting, and electrophoresis techniques.
• Low Heavy Metal Content: Ensures minimal contamination, enhancing reliability in experiments.

Safety and Handling

• Hazard Classification: Irritant; handle with care.
• Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and a lab coat when handling.
• Storage: Store in a dry, room-temperature environment. Avoid exposure to moisture to maintain its crystalline form.

Special Considerations

• Temperature Sensitivity: pH of Tris buffers is temperature-dependent:
  • Decreases ~0.03 pH units per °C increase.
  • Adjustments may be needed during experiments at varying temperatures.
• Dilution Effects: Dilution can lower the buffer’s pH by 0.03–0.05 units per ten-fold dilution.

Key Advantages

• High-quality product (≥99.9%) ensures reproducibility and reliability.
• Broad utility in diverse applications ranging from cell analysis to protein research.
• Backed by Sigma-Aldrich's stringent quality assurance.

Notable Uses

• ELISA Buffers: For washing and saturation of wells in double sandwich immunoenzymatic techniques.
• Protein Extraction: Ensures stability in sample buffers for SDS-PAGE and Western blotting.
• Simulated Body Fluids: Prepares solutions for calcium phosphate resorption assays.

Trizma® Base is a trusted solution for laboratory workflows demanding precision, stability, and high performance in pH buffering.